BLAZE OF SORROW – Astri, LP

Hailing from Italy, Blaze of Sorrow was born ten years ago as a musical vessel to deliver themes of sorrow and self-reflection through nature-inspired black metal with a number of folk influences. Masterminded by multi-instrumentalist Peter, after several demos they quickly caught the attention of the underground with their self-released ‘L’ultimo Respiro’ debut albums, a record steeped in an ambience of despair and longing.

Since then, Peter has continued to fashion Blaze of Sorrow’s unique approach to atmosphere across a further three full-length albums – fusing the essence of the night sky and the tranquillity of the wilderness with outpourings of pure anguish, the band has distilled their own instantly-recognisable sound to increasing effect throughout their career.

And so in 2017, it almost feels like destiny that to mark a decade of existence, Blaze of Sorrow have chosen to join the Eisenwald roster to release their fifth album. ‘Astri’ is a fitting tribute to what the band have achieved so far in their career as well as offering a further development of their sound. Delicate acoustic guitars and sibilant, whispered vocals are contrasted with raging chords and furious percussion (courtesy of long-standing drummer N) to deliver a truly immersive and atmospheric experience. Taking cues from legendary acts such as Agalloch and Katatonia, Blaze of Sorrow paint paeans to melancholy on waves of searing melody in a beguiling blend of dark folk and raging extreme metal.

The encroaching autumnal twilight and desolate lamentations to the lost are what Blaze of Sorrow call home – and they invite you to join them.